ZAMBALES — The Duterte administration is working hard to solve the problems of millions of Filipinos who are unable to avail of quality healthcare due to poverty, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said Sunday.

“For some of us, it is a normal thing to go to the doctor or a healthcare provider whenever we are ill or in need of medical treatment. But for many Filipinos all over the country, access to healthcare is not even an option,” Go said in his speech.

“May ibang mga pamilya po na kailangan pang mag-ipon ng pera ng ilang buwan o taon para lamang makapagpa-tingin sa doktor (There are some families who need to save up money for months or even years just to have a medical check up),” he lamented.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s top aide was in Zambales to attend a dental and medical mission organized for the victims of Typhoon “Ompong,” held at the Balin Sambali Hotel in Iba.

During his speech, he announced plans by the Duterte administration to put up a Malasakit Center in the city in order to provide easier and more efficient health assistance to the public.

“May maganda po akong balita, plano pong maglagay ng Malasakit Center dito sa inyong government hospital. It’s a one-stop shop para matulungan po natin ang ating mga pasyente and huwag po sila mahirapan sa mga panahon na nalilito sila saan sila lalapit (I have good news. There is a plan to put up a Malasakit Center here in your government hospital. It is a one-stop-shop to help patients to avoid times when they don’t know who or where to seek health assistance),” Go said.

The Malasakit Center is a program of President Duterte which seeks to hasten the delivery of medical services, and give poor patients access to free medicine. A fast lane prioritizing the senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) is also available.

Under the program, patients are assisted in availing services and financial assistance provided by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Philippine Amusement and Games Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Pooled together, the assistance can push the patient's medical bill, including medicines, to the lowest possible amount.

Aside from addressing their health and medical concerns, the presidential top aide also spoke about the government’s public works programs for Zambales, including the Subic-Clark railway project, the Bagac Mariveles, and the CAPAS-Botolan roads, and the PHP10 billion tourism project in Candelaria, Zambales, among others.

Go committed to follow up the status of these projects with the respective agencies concerned, and to make a report to the President and the people of Zambales. (OSAP PR)